Economic analyses of pig manure treatment options in Ireland

Authors

Tereza Nolan, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
Shane M. Troy, National University of Ireland, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
Stephen Gilkinson, Agri-Food And Biosciences Institute
J P. Frost, Agri-Food And Biosciences Institute
Sihuang Xie, National University of IrelandFollow
Xinmin Zhan, National University of Ireland
Caolan Harrington, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
Mark Healy, National University of Ireland
Peadar G. Lawlor, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre

RIS ID

111018

Publication Details

Nolan, T., Troy, S. M., Gilkinson, S., Frost, P., Xie, S., Zhan, X., Harrington, C., Healy, M. G. & Lawlor, P. G. (2012). Economic analyses of pig manure treatment options in Ireland. Bioresource Technology, 105 15-23.

Abstract

An economic analysis was performed on treatment options for pig manure in Ireland. Costs were based on a 500sow integrated pig farm producing 10,500m³ of manure per year at 4.8% dry matter. The anaerobic digestion of pig manure and grass silage (1:1; volatile solids basis) was unviable under the proposed tariffs, with costs at € 5.2m^-3 manure. Subsequent solid-liquid separation of the digestate would cost an additional € 12.8m^-3 manure. The treatment of the separated solid fraction by composting and of the liquid fraction by integrated constructed wetlands, would add € 2.8 and € 4.6m^-3 manure, respectively to the treatment costs. The cost analysis presented showed that the technologies investigated are currently not cost effective in Ireland. Transport and spreading of raw manure, at € 4.9m^-3 manure (15 km maximum distance from farm) is the most cost effective option.